July Perennial of the Month-Russian sage

Spring is over, the heat and drought have arrived, and many gardens are starting to show some wear and tear. After the peonies, iris, and other Act I seasonal favorites, Act II begins, and one of the star perennial performers is Russian sage, Perovskia atriplicifolia. (Synonym Salvia yangii)

The heat and drought of St. Louis summers are perfect conditions for growing Russian sage. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant and thrives with neglect. WELL-drained (the rockier, the better!) soil and full sun are crucial to its success. The lavender flowers bloom from late June through to frost. One of the longest blooming perennials in the St. Louis area.

Confession-I used to hate this perennial. Harsh, I know, but the strait species growing up to 5’ high would always flop and look weedy right when it started to flower-nothing like the catalog photo that made you fall in love with it. Now we have dwarf cultivars like ‘Denim n’ Lace’ and ‘Little Spires,’ and I’ve fallen in love. Again.

What I love about this plant

-Deer resistant, fragrant, and drought tolerant. 

-The beautiful, soft texture and long blooming period. 

-The shorter cultivars that don’t flop are my favorites.

What’s not so great

If you don’t have a dwarf cultivar, the plant tends to flop, especially after a summer rain. Trimming it down in spring creates denser branching, and/or using support hoops will help if you get them early before the plant starts growing sideways.

Words and photos by Jo Batzer

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